How to Choose a Nail Color

Allen is a manicurist at New York City's Samuel Shriqui Salon. Julia Roberts is one of her clients.

When women say, "Purple doesn't look good on my hands," I tell them they just haven't found the right one. There's a shade of each color that will flatter every skin tone. Once you figure out how to choose what works for you, the more options (and fewer regrets) you'll have.

• Study your skin tone. Regardless of whether you choose a nude, a bright, or a dark, your skin will determine the shade that looks best on your hands. Women with yellow or olive undertones in their skin should choose white or beigy nudes and orange-based brights and darks (such as coral or chocolate), while those with blue undertones should stick with pinkish nudes and blue-tone brights and darks (like fuchsia and deep violet). If you're unsure about which category your skin falls into, paint a tomato red (which is yellow-tone) on one hand, and a cherry red (blue-tone) on the other. You'll know instantly which one flatters you.

• Pick a pearl. The new pearlescent polishes are different from the frosted ones we saw in the '80s. I recommend them if you want your nails to look glossy.

• Ask for advice. A good manicurist knows every color in her salon, so explain what you're looking for before committing to a color. She'll be able to tell you whether a polish is sheer or opaque, for instance.

• Sample generously. I cringe when I see a woman testing a color by brushing the tiniest amount of polish on her nail. It's much better to really glob it on so you can get a feel for how two coats will look; if you end up hating the color after your manicurist is finished, asking her to redo it is like asking for another manicure.